Sports reports: RMNA teams shine at country championships
Plus the latest in local golf, horse racing and more.
This story includes contributions from Kelly Gravestocks and Michael Potts.
The River Murray Netball Association has proudly showcased its talent, determination and commitment at the 2026 Country Championships, held over the June long weekend at Southern United Netball Association at Morphett Vale.
The annual event is South Australia's premier country netball competition, bringing together almost 1000 players from 26 associations across the state to compete at the highest level of regional netball.
Representing RMNA across the 11 and under, 13 and under, 15 and under and 17 and under age groups, players earned the privilege of wearing the association colours through months of dedication, training and commitment.
Throughout the three-day championship, RMNA teams demonstrated the pride, discipline and sportsmanship that are hallmarks of the representative program.
Competing against some of the state's strongest country associations, RMNA players embraced every challenge, displaying resilience, teamwork and determination both on and off the court.
The highlight of the weekend came from RMNA's 17 and under team, coached by Cass Martin, who claimed the 2026 division one country championship title.
The team delivered an outstanding campaign, combining skill, composure and team-first attitude to be crowned South Australia's premier division one country team for 2026.
Representative team coordinator Kelly Gravestocks said the achievement was a fitting reward for the group's commitment throughout the season.
"Our 17 and under team achieved something truly special," she said.
"Their dedication, teamwork and commitment throughout the season culminated in a well-deserved championship victory.
"To bring home the 17 and under country championship title for RMNA after many years makes this achievement even more significant and one that will be remembered by many."
The 11 and under team continued the momentum gained from their recent success at the Mid Hills Woodside Carnival, completing an undefeated championship campaign and finishing with the highest percentage in their pool.
The 13 and under team finished fifth overall and topped Division 2 following the minor rounds.
They displayed tremendous resilience in a thrilling quarter-final that extended
into double overtime before narrowly going down by just two goals.
The 15 and under team also finished fifth after the minor rounds to secure a place in the division two finals series.
They impressed in their quarter-final victory before falling agonisingly short of a grand final berth by a single goal in a hard-fought semi-final.
Beyond the results, the championships provided invaluable opportunities for players to test themselves against quality opposition and the experience gained at this level will continue to support their pathway as athletes and young leaders within the sport.
The 2026 Country Championships once again highlighted the strength of country
netball in South Australia and the bright future ahead for RMNA's emerging talent.
Josh McPhee does it best in the wet
On a wintry old June day on Saturday, hardy local B-grader Josh McPhee did best in the heavy conditions to win a stroke competition at Murray Bridge Golf Club with a two under his handicap score of nett 68.
With three quarters of the normal field scared off by the less than favourable weather forecast for the day, McPhee showed that it wasn't impossible to play good golf as he took the day's major prize.
A trio of Aston Hills GC A-graders wandered across from their soggy course to test themselves on the local circuit and they all did well.
In particular, two-handicapper James McInnes shot a solid 75 off the stick after starting with a triple bogey and he also snared a couple of NTPs and the yabby as the only one of 23 players to hit the 11th green.
Playing partner Craig Eichler was runner up for the day with his solid nett 72.
Another visitor, Samuel Brice, managed to score an eagle on the par five 12th hole, which earned him a handy collect from the eagles nest.
Plenty more rain forecast for the coming week will make things interesting for everyone.
A Stableford competition is scheduled for Saturday.
Local stars dominate on SA Racing Rewards Day
Jockey Harry Grace has continued his impressive run since calling South Australia home, claiming a feature at Murray Bridge on the weekend.
Grace rode nine winners in May and has started June in style with six winners, striking at 20 per cent runners-to-winners.
Brevitas was coming off a luckless effort in the group three David Coles, and the stable will now look towards the Listed Oaklands Plate at Morphettville in two weeks’ time.
Tommy Stokes said the feature was the perfect set-up before she heads to the Oaklands Plate and tries to emulate the deeds of her stablemate Matahga who won the same race last year before winning the Oaklands Plate.
“We always try and target these races,’’ Stokes said post-race.
Exciting local Like a Drifter produced an even more impressive win in the three-year-old feature when he jogged in by 3.3 lengths with Tala Hutchinson in the saddle.
A $10,000 purchase by co-trainer Dan Clarken, Like A Drifter made it four wins in succession and may force the stable's hands to look interstate for his next outing.
“He’s certainly got some ability,’’ Clarken said post-race.
Fellow local Sir Now extended his already impressive record to record his ninth win from 23 starts in the opening race of the day.
Heavily backed to run favourite, Sir Now made it two wins in succession and provided Alysha Warren with the first leg of a riding double.
“To train a horse who just comes out and does it, makes it easy' said trainer Darryl Hewitt.
“I know he handles heavy tracks, I think he’s dead set a speed horse.’
Warren was also successful aboard I Catchem Fox and shared riding honours with Jason Holder and Todd Pannell.
River Murray Football League results
- Southern Mallee 17-12-114 defeated Tailem Bend 1-4-10
- Imperial 14-5-89 defeated Coorong 8-14-62
- Mypolonga 3-7-25 lost to Jervois 15-17-107
- Mannum 11-16-82 defeated Mallee Districts 8-8-56
River Murray Netball Association results
- Imperials 46 lost to Coorong 49
- Mallee Storm 49 defeated Mannum 43
- Mypolonga 47 defeated Jervois 40
- Tailem Bend 34 lost to Southern Mallee 40
Murray Bridge Darts Club results
A-Grade
- Mannum Club 17 defeated Mozzies 2
- Tungsten Tossers 13 defeated We're Sexy & We throw it A 6
- Launchers 12 defeated Vikings 7
- 180s: Kym Elliot (2), Corey Baldock (2), Craig Atze, Alex Mentink, Paul Elphick, Robert Beasley, Josh Turnbull
- Highest peg out: Martin Rose 136
B grade
- Cod Kickers 11 defeated Avengers 2
- Mud Skippers 10 defeated Force Darts 3
- We're sexy & we throw it B 10 defeated Dart Addicts 3
- Bulrushes 9 Average Joe's 4
- Mad Hatters 8 defeated Junkyard Dogs 5
- 180s: Corey Thow, Mark Storrie
- Highest peg out: Jeff Curnow 145
Murray Bridge United results
Stirling Districts 4 defeated Murray Bridge United 0
Stirling Districts reserves 10 defeated Murray Bridge United reserves 4
Goals: T Williams 24, R Dwi Jayanto 25', 54', 64'
Tailem Bend Golf Club results
- Winner: Andrew Nottage 35
- Runner-up: David Robson 34 on count back from Robert Phillips 34
- Nearest to pin: Michael Clark (3rd), Rob Phillips (10th), Bazza (12th)
Send your sports reports to, or express an interest in sponsoring this weekly feature by contacting, jane@murraybridge.news.
